#2447: Anything but Cars
1Digest
The Car Talk hosts begin by discussing the top 10 consumer complaint categories, with automobiles topping the list. They delve into a specific complaint about car leases, where dealers may inflate the price by not subtracting trade-in value. A listener, Keller, calls in with a question about a wobbling wheel on their Toyota pickup. The hosts diagnose the problem as a bent axle flange, possibly caused by a previous accident. Keller's use of the term "partner" instead of "spouse" leads to a discussion about social linguistics and the evolving language used to describe relationships. The hosts then move on to a puzzler about potatoes and their water content, followed by a call from Lexi, who is facing a lesbian divorce and a custody battle over a Toyota pickup truck. The hosts advise Lexi to let her ex-girlfriend buy her out, as the truck has become a source of anxiety. The show concludes with a letter from a 13-year-old listener, Jonathan, who proposes a "psychopathological self-esteem vehicle hypothesis" suggesting that everyone should drive Dodge Darts to eliminate feelings of superiority or inferiority. The hosts find Jonathan's idea amusing and decide to email him to discuss it further.
Outlines
Consumer Complaints and Automobiles
This Chapter discusses the top 10 consumer complaint categories, with automobiles topping the list. The hosts highlight a specific complaint about car leases, where dealers may inflate the price by not subtracting trade-in value.
Wobbling Wheel and Social Linguistics
This Chapter features a listener, Keller, calling in with a question about a wobbling wheel on their Toyota pickup. The hosts diagnose the problem as a bent axle flange, possibly caused by a previous accident. Keller's use of the term "partner" instead of "spouse" leads to a discussion about social linguistics and the evolving language used to describe relationships.
Puzzler and Lesbian Divorce
This Chapter features a puzzler about potatoes and their water content, followed by a call from Lexi, who is facing a lesbian divorce and a custody battle over a Toyota pickup truck. The hosts advise Lexi to let her ex-girlfriend buy her out, as the truck has become a source of anxiety.
Psychopathological Self-Esteem Vehicle Hypothesis
This Chapter features a letter from a 13-year-old listener, Jonathan, who proposes a "psychopathological self-esteem vehicle hypothesis" suggesting that everyone should drive Dodge Darts to eliminate feelings of superiority or inferiority. The hosts find Jonathan's idea amusing and decide to email him to discuss it further.
Keywords
Car Talk
Car Talk is a long-running American radio program hosted by Click and Clack, the Tappet Brothers, known for their humorous and informative discussions about cars and car repair. The show features listener calls, puzzlers, and segments on automotive topics.
Consumer Complaints
Consumer complaints refer to grievances expressed by individuals or groups regarding products, services, or business practices. These complaints can be directed to businesses, government agencies, or consumer protection organizations.
Automobiles
Automobiles, also known as cars, are self-propelled motor vehicles designed for transportation on land. They are typically powered by internal combustion engines, electric motors, or hybrid systems.
Leasing
Leasing is a financial arrangement where an individual or business rents a vehicle, equipment, or property for a specified period. The lessee makes regular payments to the lessor, who retains ownership of the asset.
Social Linguistics
Social linguistics is a branch of linguistics that studies the relationship between language and society. It examines how language is used in different social contexts, how it reflects social identities, and how it shapes social interactions.
Dodge Dart
The Dodge Dart is a compact car manufactured by Dodge, a division of Stellantis. It was introduced in 2012 and discontinued in 2016. The Dart was known for its fuel efficiency, technology features, and sporty styling.
Axle Flange
An axle flange is a component of an axle assembly that connects the axle shaft to the wheel hub. It typically has a series of threaded studs that secure the wheel to the axle.
Partner
Partner is a term used to describe a person with whom one has a close relationship, often romantic or intimate. It can also refer to a business associate or someone who collaborates on a project.
Spouse
Spouse is a legal term that refers to a person who is married to another. It is a more formal and traditional term than "partner" and typically implies a legal and social commitment.
Q&A
What are the top 10 consumer complaint categories, and what is the most common complaint?
The top 10 consumer complaint categories include telemarketing, electronic devices, miscellaneous (including car talkers), subscriptions, furniture appliances and home furnishings, credit, mail order, retail sales, home repair and construction, and automobiles. Automobiles are the number one category for consumer complaints in the United States.
What is the specific complaint about car leases that the hosts discuss?
The hosts discuss a practice where some car dealers do not subtract trade-in value from the price of a lease. Instead, they raise the price of the lease car and then deduct the trade-in value, effectively inflating the overall cost.
What is the listener's question about their car, and how do the hosts diagnose the problem?
The listener, Keller, has a wobbling wheel on their Toyota pickup. The hosts diagnose the problem as a bent axle flange, possibly caused by a previous accident. They suggest swapping the wheels to confirm the diagnosis.
What is social linguistics, and how does it relate to the listener's use of the term "partner"?
Social linguistics is the study of how language is used in different social contexts. The listener's use of the term "partner" instead of "spouse" reflects the evolving language used to describe relationships, particularly in the context of same-sex couples and those who choose not to marry.
What is the puzzler about potatoes, and what is the correct answer?
The puzzler states that potatoes are 99% water and 1% potato. If 100 pounds of potatoes are dried out until they are 98% water, how much would they weigh? The correct answer is 50 pounds, as the amount of potato remains constant, and the water content decreases.
What is the listener's dilemma regarding the Toyota pickup truck, and what advice do the hosts give?
The listener, Lexi, is facing a lesbian divorce and a custody battle over a Toyota pickup truck. The hosts advise her to let her ex-girlfriend buy her out, as the truck has become a source of anxiety and is no longer serving her needs.
What is Jonathan's "psychopathological self-esteem vehicle hypothesis", and what is the hosts' reaction?
Jonathan proposes that everyone should drive Dodge Darts to eliminate feelings of superiority or inferiority. The hosts find his idea amusing and decide to email him to discuss it further.
Show Notes
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